Memorial Day

Katherine, Michael and Megan all came over for barbecue today. We had burgers and sirloin steak, plus a few salads. I made a chocolate cake (box) with cream cheese frosting (homemade) and Michael made chicken wings. They were soooo good I filled up on those and didn't even eat any burgers or steak.

Poor Katherine burned her forehead with a curling iron yesterday and now she has a mark on her forehead. I hope it fades away. She has been seeing someone from work but I'm not sure how serious it is at this point. He sounds nice. He is a Jeopardy fan like me, LOL!

Julie was funny, trying to beg for all the goodies. We only give her a little as she tends to get sick. Megan always gets a big kick out of her.

This past weekend, Mike and I put the plants in our garden. I think we have at least 12 tomato plants, plus cucumbers and peppers and a few other hopefuls. If I only get tomatoes like we did last year, I'll be happy!

friends?

Julie and Nutmeg fell asleep near each other on the couch last night. Maybe Nutty is getting used to the dog, although I'm pretty sure she still thinks he's a pest.

It was nice to see them so peaceful, though.

Julie in the Rain

It was pouring rain and Julie didn't want to go out, but as soon as I put her coat on, she ran right out!

Shadow used to love to 'dress up,' too!

Nick at the Periodontist

I think that's what you call someone who does dental implants. I took Nick this morning and just picked him up a little while ago. He's got a temporary 'flipper' in his mouth where his permanent implant will eventually replace his front tooth.

Trouble at CVS in that, for some reason, Nicky is not on our insurance for prescriptions. Luckily, it turns out the antibiotics he has to take were only about $20 and we just tripled up on OTC ibuprofen (per dr's orders) to help with any pain. Insurance is great, until you have to futz about it. That's up to Mike, since it's under his name.

Mike is out on the island with a job. He's been getting a lot of work lately. That's good, because he can build up an account until social security kicks in and he's limited to how much money  he can make.

I have been back to exercising again. I sort of made a promise to my pain doc, Dr. P, that I would be able to tell her I was exercising regularly next time I see her. I alternate between using my Wii board for stepping and the treadmill. If I happen to lose weight, too, that will be a bonus. We'll see.

Mother's Day Part II

Michael made a delicious shrimp appetizer to go with my lobster dinner. Katherine surprised me with flowers and three new volumes of "The Stand" graphic novels. She told me they are out of print and she actually had to go to a comic book store to find them. There was some kind of convention going on so she had to wait behind about 60 people to get in. I believe I now have all the volumes!

We watched "The Shawshank Redemption" because I was surprised to find out Mike had never seen it and Michael only saw part of it.

When the kids went home they gave me hugs. The best part is that Michael gave me several bear hugs--this from the kid who wouldn't let anyone touch him when he was younger. He is so awesome. All my kids are awesome and I am so blessed in motherhood!

Mother's Day

Mike gave me a card with $100 in it and Nicky gave me chocolates and a $40 gift card. Michael is making me a shrimp dish later and James is picking up a lobster for me. I think Katherine is, too. They all gave me Shari's Berries strawberries. The berries came Friday and I have really been enjoying them!

Atlantic City

Yet another nice few days in Atlantic City. We drove down in Mike's new car (more on that later--I need to get a picture) and met John and family there.

If I'd walked back out an hour after we arrived, I'd be ten dollars richer. Ha, ha. I kept putting the money back in as I usually do and came home with 4 cents. But my bills are paid and we own our house, so all is fine. We 'break even' considering the (almost) free room and a BOGO buffet.

I found a few new games I like:

How could I resist a game with dogs? I also played and won a bit (then lost) on a game called "OMG, Kittens!" I have about 8 different games I stick to. Mike says he likes the ones that entertain you a bit, not just those ones with Bars and Sevens. I agree!

The Willie Wonka game was a lot of fun, too!